Lenku says 4,000 arrested in operation amid plans to deport illegal immigrants

By KAMAU MUTHONI and CYRUS OMBATI

Kenya: Police continued to hold foreign nationals at the Kasarani Safaricom Stadium over allegations that they are in the country illegally.

The operation that has an eagle’s watch by heavily armed General Service Unit and Administration Police continued as the Government declared it would not end it.

The place has been a camp for nationals hailing from various countries who were nabbed in the dragnet meant to flush out illegal immigrants.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku said since last Monday, when terrorists attacked food kiosks in Eastleigh and killed six injuring more than 30, that more than 4,000 people have been arrested on suspicion of being illegally in the country and possessing fake identification documents.

But so far, some 160 are being held at the stadium waiting to be deported.

He said the operation would continue in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru with the intention of nabbing those who are in the country illegally.

Lenku blamed the aliens, especially refugees, for terror attacks in the country.

The CS made the remarks when he addressed a team of security chiefs at the Kenya School of Government, Kabete aimed at checking how they have been handling crime in general.

Lenku said the Somali Government supports the ongoing operation in Kenya and is ready to receive their nationals who are in the country illegally. “Some of these people have fake identification cards. We now have verification machines,” he said.

The CS termed as apologists, those opposed to the operations and vowed it would continue. “The noises you are hearing are because we are doing a good job. Don’t be distracted by these sideshows and let them paint us any colour they want but we will deliver to Kenyans,” said Lenku.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo, who visited the centre on Sunday, said he was satisfied that all humanitarian factors are being considered and the officers are handling it professionally.

“I have been there and confirmed the facility has toilets, places for sleeping and other amenities. They will be screened before we know the way forward,” said Kimaiyo. He said the operation is not focusing on Eastleigh alone but all parts of Nairobi. “If you are legally in Kenya and your papers are in order go about your business,” said Kimaiyo.

Illegal migrants

Kimaiyo also asked police commanders of counties around Nairobi to be vigilant and flush out illegal immigrants. At around 2.30pm another group was brought in by a police lorry increasing the number to more than 300 people being taken in for screening.

Among the people in the stadium is Nyambai Mijak Akur Miaker a South Sudanese national.

Her brother-in-law Gum Wuor Mayiik had been camping outside the stadium from morning trying to validate her presence in the country by producing her passport.

Abdi Mohamed was also looking for his daughter whom he said was arrested during Friday’s operation.

He too said his daughter, who is a minor, has valid documents that allow her to be in the country.